let me start off with what i have, My father and I have a 72 pinto Pangra, automatic (non turbo). the car has atleast the stage 2 (suspension and body effects). the drivetrain has all been removed, we are planning for a manaul swap with a 67 289 with 302 heads using a Ranger rear end. i am having problems with the frame mounts, how do i get the small block mounts to work? i also have the wrong smll block bellhousing(c5ta-6394-a). i would like to use the four speed out of a pinto.

- attached is a picture of the best frame mounts i have found (attached pic) ... thoughts on them? - which bellhousing do i need? - i am in need of a clutch pedal/brake pedal assembly, no power brakes, any for sale? - i know hedmen has a set of headers that would work, so does hooker, which will work best for a 72?

I would use an engine plate or build some brackets that go from the frame to the heads. The only issue with that, though, is the lack of motor mount and it would vibrate like crazy! I have heard of people using Mustang II mounts (two passenger side mounts with minor relocation of the frame mounts), but others have also said it does not work.

I am assuming you are using a front sump pan on that motor, which will help, but you may need to push the motor forwards to clear the cross member (without notching it) due to the pan sump "slant/drain" being angled to much. This is why the Mustang II pan is so desired for this swap.

For my 78 Sedan, I plan to use Mustang II donor parts. Looking for a Mustang II oil pan, pump pickup, mounts and headers which should make things a breeze when it comes time.

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1978 Ford Pinto Sedan - Family owned since new

Remembering Jeff Fitcher with every drive in my 78 Sedan.

I am a Pinto Surgeon. Fixing problems and giving Pintos a chance to live again is more than a hobby, it's a passion!

i have the pinto v8 book off ebay which suggest engine plates, that is not an option for me. i also have no problem running a notched oil pan and (or) front sump, the engine needs to remain as far back as possible for the best weight distribution.

i do not reccommend that book to anyone, it is very vague.

i know mustang II motor mounts will work, im just concerned with the corresponding frame mounts.

Not to sure about the frame mounts, I can't tell if those are the original ones for the 2.0 or not either, someone else may know though.

As for the engine sitting as far back as possible, be prepared to modify the firewall. Regardless of the bell you decide to use, you will need to cut out or hammer in the firewall at the entrance to the transmission tunnel for clearance.

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1978 Ford Pinto Sedan - Family owned since new

Remembering Jeff Fitcher with every drive in my 78 Sedan.

I am a Pinto Surgeon. Fixing problems and giving Pintos a chance to live again is more than a hobby, it's a passion!

i was under the impression that it was common the run the small block ford with the pinto 4spd?

Thankyou reeves1 for that link, ive been reading several threads similar to that one, and i want to get the frame mounts correct because im not looking to twist it. i had a long conversation with a man who raced dirt track pintos and he was very concerned with my plans because the frame reinforcement ends about an inch forward of the original 4cyl frame mounts. this car is going to be a street car, not a DD but more of a weekend toy. ive been talking to Cookieboy and Fred morgan trying to get a handle on mounting my v8 into the car (a great thanks to them for being so open!)

i have many pictures of the car and of our tear down process turbopinto72, what do your frame mounts look like in your 289 pinto? what trans are you running?

i want to get the frame mounts correct because im not looking to twist it. i had a long conversation with a man who raced dirt track pintos and he was very concerned with my plans because the frame reinforcement ends about an inch forward of the original 4cyl frame mounts. this car is going to be a street car, not a DD but more of a weekend toy.

how much horse power are you planning for this V8 you want to install?

im not expressing my question in the right way, the motor mounting system has two parts. an engine side, and the corresponding frame side, i do not understand how the frame side is made/modified/bought .... the stock pinto frame mounts are far to narrow to hold a v8...

one thing to keep in mind is that you have a 1972... the 71-73 have a smaller engine bay than the 74 and up Pintos so fitting the V8 in an early Pinto has special considerations . 71pintoracer's build may help you quite a bit and answer a few questions for you.

Here is a picture of my motor mounts. They are MustangII. I saw this car on craigslist, I was going to buy this with a freind and you snatched it up, nice purchase, good luck with the build and I hope to see this car at Carlisle or on a Stampede down the road.

send me an email and I will send you a bigger picture. Brian was right, you will need sub frame connectors and I can give you some feedback on how to work this street legal and driveable. it is easy to make these tough to handle if you go too big. Your set up should produce somewhere between 220-280 horsepowerd depending on how you build it. More if you put a supercharger, turbo or really port everything and go big with intake and exhaust. Room wil be your enemy on that sida though. bosspinto@pintostampede.com

he used a t-5 and had to do extensive work to the fire wall ... is there any way i can avoid that .... i kind of suspect thats the bellhousing i have x_x

the 302 and t5 in my pangra use a front mount engine plate vs. motor mounts in the standard location... I have a call into the previous owner to see if they had to modify the firewall or tunnel for the t5. I know he didn't build it, had professionals do the work, but he may know. I don't recall anything on the firewall looking out of place, never looked at the tunnel... waiting for a call back from him and will let you know...

good good, than i think that is going to become the new plan, according to the web, c5ta-6394-a is a 351 bellhousing to a 4spd toploader (pinto trans will obviously not bolt up to that) and to my understanding neither will a t-5 ... in my opinion ... this is overly complicated haha ... suggestions? i got it all off craigslist, ill just turn around and sell it again.

i am still looking for the clutch pedal/brake pedal assembly. is it true i absolutely need a non power brakes assembly because the fulcrum is different? any thoughts? im really hoping i dont have to modify the headlight lever when i install the new pedals.